Exodus 10:18

So Moses left Pharaoh's presence and appealed to the LORD.

Study Bible

So Moses left Pharaoh's presence
This phrase marks a significant moment in the narrative, where Moses, the chosen leader and prophet of God, exits the presence of Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt. The Hebrew root for "left" (יָצָא, yatsa) implies a deliberate departure, often used in contexts of leaving for a purpose or mission. Moses' exit signifies a transition from confrontation to intercession, highlighting his role as a mediator between God and Pharaoh. Historically, this reflects the tension between divine authority and earthly power, as Moses represents God's will against Pharaoh's hardened heart.

and appealed to the LORD
The word "appealed" (וַיִּזְעַק, vayiz'ak) in Hebrew conveys a deep, earnest cry or plea, often used in contexts of distress or urgent supplication. This reflects Moses' intimate relationship with God, where he can approach the Almighty with boldness and sincerity. The act of appealing to the LORD underscores the power of prayer and intercession, reminding believers of the importance of seeking God's intervention in times of crisis. Scripturally, it demonstrates Moses' faith and reliance on God's sovereignty, as he turns to the LORD for deliverance from the plague of locusts that has devastated Egypt.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The central human figure in this passage, Moses is the prophet and leader chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. His role is to communicate God's demands to Pharaoh and lead the Israelites out of Egypt.

2. Pharaoh
The ruler of Egypt, Pharaoh is the antagonist in the Exodus account. His hardened heart and refusal to release the Israelites lead to a series of plagues upon Egypt.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who demonstrates His power and sovereignty through the plagues. He is the one to whom Moses appeals for the removal of the plague.

4. Egypt
The land where the Israelites are enslaved. It is the setting for the plagues and the backdrop for God's demonstration of power.

5. The Plague of Locusts
This is the eighth plague that God sends upon Egypt as a judgment for Pharaoh's refusal to let the Israelites go. It devastates the land by consuming all the crops and vegetation.

Teaching Points

The Power of Intercessory Prayer
Moses' appeal to the LORD demonstrates the importance and effectiveness of intercessory prayer. Believers are encouraged to pray on behalf of others, trusting in God's power to intervene.

God's Sovereignty and Mercy
The LORD's response to Moses' prayer shows His sovereignty over creation and His willingness to show mercy. This encourages believers to trust in God's control over all circumstances.

The Role of Obedience in Leadership
Moses' obedience in returning to Pharaoh and then appealing to God highlights the importance of faithful leadership. Leaders are called to act in obedience to God's commands, even in challenging situations.

The Hardness of Heart
Pharaoh's hardened heart serves as a warning against resisting God's will. Believers are reminded to remain open and responsive to God's direction.

The Consequences of Disobedience
The plagues, including the locusts, illustrate the severe consequences of disobedience to God. This serves as a reminder of the importance of aligning one's life with God's commands.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Moses' role as an intercessor in Exodus 10:18 inspire you to pray for others in your life?

2. In what ways does the account of the plagues, particularly the plague of locusts, demonstrate God's sovereignty and mercy?

3. How can Moses' obedience in this passage serve as a model for leadership in your own life or community?

4. What lessons can we learn from Pharaoh's hardened heart, and how can we apply these lessons to avoid similar pitfalls in our spiritual journey?

5. How do the consequences faced by Egypt due to Pharaoh's disobedience inform our understanding of the importance of aligning our actions with God's will?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 8:30
Similar to Exodus 10:18, Moses leaves Pharaoh's presence to pray to the LORD for the removal of a plague, showing a pattern of intercession.

James 5:16
This verse highlights the power of righteous prayer, which connects to Moses' role as an intercessor for the people of Egypt and Israel.

1 Samuel 12:23
Samuel, like Moses, emphasizes the importance of intercessory prayer, showing a consistent biblical theme of leaders praying for their people.